Ange Postecoglou told Tottenham defensive duo not good enough in big ‘concern’ for new boss

One outspoken pundit suggested that Ange Postecoglou might only require a whole new defense for his first campaign as Tottenham’s manager.

Spurs finished a very disappointing seventh in the Premier League last year after giving up a staggering 63 goals, which prevented them from qualifying for European competition.

To address those defensive difficulties, Postecoglou is expected to sign at least two new center backs, with Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven reportedly close to agreeing to a £30 million transfer.

Although more work needs to be done on the potential deal, the Australian is also interested in Bayer Leverkusen player Edmond Tapsoba.

Gabby Agbonhalor, a former striker for Aston Villa, is quite concerned about the full-back positions, with the right-back position being a particular vulnerability.

Postecoglou favours a 4-3-3 formation, while his predecessor Antonio Conte never steered away from his 3-4-3 – opting to play with wing-backs as opposed to natural full-backs.

And that is where Agbonhalor sees a major problem for Spurs as we look ahead to the new season.

Ivan Perisic and Pedro Porro were the main two players used on the right of Conte’s system, while Emerson Royal was a more defensive option.

Destiny Udogie also arrives this summer after spending last season back on loan at Udinese but is considered as a left wing-back rather than someone who can play in a back four.

Tottenham need full-backs not wing-backs

To that end, Agbonlahor sees problems brewing for Postecoglou unless further additions are made.

He told Football Insider: “I think this will be a concern for Postecoglou.

“This is the problem with buying big players without sorting out the future of your manager.

“For all we know, Ange will come in now and decide that Porro isn’t good enough as a right-back.

“Perisic, I’m sure is at an age where he’ll want to get rid of him.

“This is the risk Spurs have taken. Postecoglou is going to come in with his own ideas.

He might consider it and decide he requires a completely new defense. I believe they need to sign three or four players for the back.

However, Postecoglou has choices if he prefers to use more conventional full-backs. Royal and Djed Spence are both more than capable of playing on the right, while Ben Davies is still available on the left and Sergio Reguilon has returned after spending the previous season on loan elsewhere.

Just how active the Australian intends for his wide defenders to be in the upcoming season is up for debate.